Former Black Stars striker Prince Tagoe has raised concerns about the current squad’s spiritual grounding, suggesting it may be behind the team’s recent struggles.
Ghana’s senior national team has faced difficulties on the continental stage, exiting at the group phase in consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments in 2021 and 2023, held in Cameroon and Ivory Coast, respectively.
The four-time African champions then missed out on the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, marking the first time in over 20 years they failed to qualify.
Despite these setbacks, the Black Stars rebounded to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking on Sporty FM, Tagoe highlighted what he sees as a disconnect between the current players and their supporters.
The former Hearts of Oak forward believes the team’s past successes were rooted not only in talent but also in spiritual backing and genuine engagement with fans.
“As a former player, during my playing days with the Black Stars, it was not as if we were too good, but I believe we had good luck and spiritual backing for the team, and it always comes with giving out to people.
“If you play for the Black Stars and you don’t show love to the people who come to cheer you up, or you don’t care about the people who knew you while growing up, it becomes a problem, and these are the same people who will be praying for the team, because sometimes we do contribute and assist charity works as well and this what I want to see in this current team because I don’t think this current team do that.”
He added that many current players have earned a reputation for being distant from fans, in contrast to past stars like Stephen Appiah, who fostered strong connections with supporters.
“We are all in Ghana, and most of these players playing for the Black Stars have been described as stingy players, and that is the fact. People might not be able to say that in public, but during our time, people used to come around the team because of Stephen Appiah, and we, the players, must ensure that we express our appreciation because these are the same people who will support the team, and this is something the team must look at.
“Sometimes, it is not about how good you are, but you will need to have luck and spiritual backing,” he added.
Ghana will make its fifth World Cup appearance in 2026, drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and close group play against Croatia on June 27.
After back-to-back group-stage exits at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups in Brazil and Qatar, the team is hoping for a deeper run in the United States, where they will base themselves at Bryant University throughout the tournament.
Source: Ghana Soccer Net
